Rose Gallery named King’s best small business

King’s Rose Gallery may be small, but it is a big part of the community.

The gallery was named small business of the year with Ron and Janice Ivany accepting the award

at the King Chamber of

Commerce’s business excellence awards at Cardinal Golf Club in Kettleby.

The award recognizes businesses with no more than 10 employees and demonstrates community involvement and commitment to business development in the township.

“We were surprised, but flattered to be recognized,” Mr. Ivany said.

The etched glass award has found a home on the mantle, appropriately surrounded by art, in the 125-year-old building the gallery has called home for the past six years.

The small gallery has been customer focused for 17 years while offering original art, custom framing and photography services.

The couple chose King City because they live in the area and find the township unique and the customer base more than supportive of the business.

The chamber has traditionally handed out awards during its annual holiday luncheon, but, for the first time this year, decided to hold a separate evening ceremony.

It worked out very well and was a very nice evening, Mr. Ivany added.

A number of King Township businesses were recognized during the ceremony.

Allstone Quarry Products owner Jose Melo accepted the large business award for not only being involved in the community and being committed to business development in King, but also for its willingness to show support through business and community participation and sponsorship.

The business was originally Melo Landscaping when the family purchased it in 1974 and soon grew into the group of companies now known as Allstone Quarry, operating from Schomberg.

The growth has increased business and created jobs for the township.

Orr and Associate Insurance Brokers was named entrepreneur of the year, given to the top business leader, who has demonstrated a unique vision and set the bar for other businesses.

The agency began with one man, Victor A. Hall, selling insurance in King City in 1912, but soon had a reputation for outstanding service and continued to grow. It was sold in 1977 to Gordon Orr, who changed the name to Orr and Dew Insurance Brokers Ltd.

Ken Orr became owner in 1992.

The company sponsors community organizations and Mr. Orr has been a longtime volunteer with the Lions Club.

The sustainable King award recognizing a business that participates in environmental leadership on an ongoing basis was given to Pioneer Brand Honey and Maple’s Denise Flys.

The third-generation company was born from a bee keeping hobby and today houses 50 million bees.

It has also expanded into the maple syrup industry, producing honey, candles, candy, skin cream and lip balm.

Its mission to promote environmentally sustainable food sources contributed to the win.

The excellence in new business award was given to Brain Watts of Beer Barons/King Brewery in recognition of being established for a minimum of two years and demonstrating notable achievements such as growth, customer service, innovative ideas and community involvement.

It is a Canadian-owned company that purchased the brewery only a few years ago, but the company has changed its name to Provincial Beverages of Canada as a result of its countrywide distribution and vision to introduce new products.

As voted by the public, Haider Meghjee accepted the people’s choice award for the King City Guardian Pharmacy for showing outstanding customer service, growth, best business practices and community involvement.

Along with filling prescriptions, the pharmacy also provides wellness services that educate and empower clients to maintain their health. Staff pharmacists and nutritionists also publish a quarterly wellness newsletter.